I’m writing to you today because our community needs us, and I’m hoping you will join me in responding to this crisis. When the world goes awry, concrete steps ground me in what is most important. This is why the establishment of The Community Foundation of Mendocino County’s new COVID-19 Relief Fund brings its own form of reprieve, knowing there is an outlet to support the community through this.

While widespread, this crisis feels personal to me; because I know the communities I love are going to be deeply impacted. So, when the Foundation decided to establish this fund, my own family gathered around the dining table to discuss our ability to give. It is important to me and my family to give back, and we decided to direct our giving to the COVID-19 Relief Fund because we can make a larger impact countywide if we come together collectively. By leveraging our money with that of other donors we can write one check to the Foundation and touch organizations and individuals throughout the county, rather than writing five or ten or twenty smaller checks.

Together we joined with others to contribute lead gifts that would allow for us to match a contribution of $100,000 from the Community Foundation’s Disaster Fund. Through the generosity of our lead donors, The MLH Fund, Jim and Arlene Moorehead, Sonoma Clean Power, Savings Bank of Mendocino County, Harold and Vienne Henderson Family Fund, and the Allende and Poseley Families, we have met this challenge and raised over $234,951 so far. Our goal is to raise at least $300k.

I share with you my family’s decision to give because I’m now asking you to consider giving to the COVID-19 Relief Fund. We are experiencing a global crisis, but the impact will be felt locally. If it is important to you to help our county residents make it through this crisis, I urge you to give to this fund and help us reach our goal.

Likewise, if your focus is on supporting your local region, please consider making a donation directly to the organizations serving your community. We are focused on basic needs at the Foundation; however I worry personally about the arts and environmental organizations ability to weather the storm. This is why I chose to give to these organizations directly this week, in addition to my gift to the Foundation.

We are all impacted; no one is exempt from this pandemic. But together we can thrive, together we can support neighbors and friends to ensure our communities not only survive the crisis, but continue to flourish. Mendocino County is a unique and beautiful region, we have an incredible natural world around us, passionate organizations caring for us, and dedicated business owners serving us. Help me ensure this region continues to bloom in the shadow of this crisis.